How to Get a Japanese License
How the full license written test
works
The full license written test is 90 text questions + 5 illustration (hazard perception) questions out of 100 points. You pass with 90 points or higher. Make sure you understand the scoring and scope.
🎓 Full license written test scoring
Text questions
90 questions × 1 point each = 90 points
Illustration questions (hazard perception)
5 questions × 2 points each = 10 points
Total / Pass mark
100 points total, 90 points or higher to pass
Time limit
50 minutes
📌 Testing points
Take the test in the prefecture where you are registered
You take the full license written test at the driver's license testing center in the prefecture where you are registered as a resident.
Scope covers the entire Rules of the Road
The scope is broader than the provisional license written test, covering the entire Rules of the Road relating to traffic.
Illustration questions are hazard perception
Each traffic scene has 3 sub-questions. As a rule, you must answer all 3 correctly to earn the 2 points. Getting even one wrong means no points.
FAQ
What is the pass mark for the full license written test?
You pass with 90 points or higher out of 100. Scoring is the sum of 90 text questions (1 point each) and 5 illustration questions (2 points each), and the time limit is 50 minutes.
What are illustration questions?
Questions that test your ability to predict hazards in a single traffic scene. Each question has 3 sub-questions and is worth 2 points total. As a rule, you must answer all 3 correctly to earn any points.
How is it different from the provisional license written test?
The scope expands to cover the entire Rules of the Road, and illustration hazard perception questions are added. The number of questions also increases from 50 on the provisional license test to 95.
What happens if I fail the full license written test?
You can retake it as many times as needed. Each attempt costs a testing fee (around 1,750 yen), but there is no limit on the number of attempts. If you fail, don't panic—review the areas you got wrong in the Rules of the Road and try again.
What makes the difference is the hard-to-prepare-for illustration hazard perception questions. With MenkyoQuest you can practice both text questions and full license illustration questions. Knock out the common topics first.
If you come across an unfamiliar term, check the 📖 glossary for full definitions.
Last updated 2026-06-04. Costs, durations, and rules vary by driving school and season. Always confirm the latest conditions with each school's or prefecture's official information.